Leak resistant and serviceable receptacle

ABSTRACT

A receptacle for conveying fluid is disclosed. The receptacle may include a main body, a spring retainer, a valve seat assembly, a poppet, and a spring. The main body defines an inlet and an outlet. The spring retainer is disposed in the main body and removable from the main body via the inlet. The valve seat assembly is disposed in the main body and removable from the main body via the inlet. The poppet is slidably engaged with the spring retainer between a closed position and an open position and is engageable with the valve seat assembly. The spring is engaged with the spring retainer and with the poppet to urge the poppet against the valve seat assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/368,440, filed on Dec. 2, 2016, which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/262,694, filed on Dec. 3,2015. These prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to a low emission receptacle forreceiving a fluid such as liquid natural gas (LNG) liquid oxygen (LOX),liquid nitrogen (LN2) compressed natural gas (CNG), etc., from a nozzle.The fluid may be at cryogenic temperatures.

BACKGROUND

Receptacles are designed to receive fluid from nozzles. One example of areceptacle is a car gasoline port. One example of a nozzle is a gasolinedispenser at a gas station. Some fluids, such as liquid natural gas(LNG) or compressed natural gas (CNG) are transferred via specializednozzles and receptacles.

LNG may be stored in liquid form at cryogenic temperatures (e.g., −150degrees C. or −238 degrees F.). During the transferring process betweennozzle and receptacle, a portion of LNG may heat up and vaporize intogas. This gas expands to occupy all accessible areas of the nozzle andreceptacle. When the transferring process is complete, a portion of thevaporized gas will remain in the coupled connection between the nozzleand the receptacle. When the nozzle is eventually disconnected from thereceptacle, this remaining gas vents into ambient atmosphere.

CNG may be stored under high pressures. During the transferring processbetween nozzle and receptacle, CNG may expand and occupy all accessibleareas of the nozzle and receptacle. When the transferring process iscomplete, a portion of the gas will remain in the receptacle. When thenozzle is eventually disconnected from the receptacle, this remaininggas vents into ambient atmosphere. Thus, a new receptacle is needed thatreduces the amount of fluid vented into atmosphere when a nozzledisconnects from the receptacle.

FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B illustrate a prior art receptacle. This receptacle10 has been sold as the Macro Technologies Model 13990. Receptacle 10includes a body 1 having a flange 6 and terminating in a fitting 8. Apoppet 2 is slidably disposed in body 1. A retainer 4 is held thereon byretaining ring 3, and a seal 5 is mounted to poppet 2. Spring 7 is alsodisposed inside body 1 and provides a spring force against poppet 2.Such receptacles are used with a nozzle (also called a coupler), asshown in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 9,194,524, the teachings of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a receptacle for conveying fluid. With respect to prior artreceptacles, the disclosed receptacles may vent less fluid and be easierto service. The receptacle may include a main body, a valve seatassembly, a poppet, a spring retainer, and a spring. The valve seatassembly may comprise a valve seat body and a packing. The valve seatbody may be disposed in and secured to the main body. The valve seatbody may include: a first end and an opposing second end. The first endmay include a plurality of first inner surfaces defining an innerannular groove. The valve seat body may include a plurality of secondinner surfaces defining an inner void. The plurality of second innersurfaces may include one or more arced surfaces and one or more flatsor, more generally, any shape suitable for torque application. Thepacking, which may be referenced as a seal, may be disposed in the innerannular groove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially cross-sectioned plan view of a prior artreceptacle. FIG. 1A is a top plan view of the prior art receptacle. FIG.1B is a rear end view of the prior art receptacle.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a receptacle in accordance with theteachings herein.

FIG. 3 is an isometric cross sectional view of the receptacle.

FIG. 4 is cross sectional view of a body of the receptacle.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a valve seat of the receptacle.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the valve seat and schematicallyillustrates a poppet of the receptacle and representative fluid flow.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional bottom view of an inner perimeter of thevalve seat taken along the line FIG. 7-FIG. 7 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross sectional bottom view of a second embodimentof the inner perimeter.

FIG. 9 is a schematic partial cross sectional bottom view of a thirdembodiment of the inner perimeter.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a receptaclein accordance with the teachings herein.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross sectional view illustrating a spring retainerin accordance with the teachings herein.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of a valve seat assembly of theembodiment shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 13A is a front view of the valve seat of FIG. 12.

FIG. 13B is a cross sectional view of the valve seat of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the seat disc of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15A is a rear view of the seat ring of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15B is a cross sectional view of the seat ring of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is defined by the appended claims. The descriptionsummarizes aspects of some disclosed embodiments and should not be usedto limit the claims. Other embodiments are contemplated in accordancewith the techniques described herein, as will be apparent uponexamination of the following drawings and detailed description, and suchembodiments are within the scope of this application.

For a better understanding of the disclosure, reference may be made toembodiments shown in the drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily to scale, and related elements may be omitted so as toemphasize and clearly illustrate the novel features described herein. Inaddition, system components can be variously arranged, as known in theart. In the figures, like referenced numerals may refer to like partsthroughout the different figures unless otherwise specified.

While the features, methods, devices, and systems described herein maybe embodied in various forms, there are shown in the drawings, and willhereinafter be described, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments.Not all of the depicted components described in this disclosure may berequired, however, and some implementations may include additional,different, or fewer components from those expressly described in thisdisclosure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components maybe made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as setforth herein. This specification is intended to be taken as a whole andinterpreted in accordance with the principles of the invention as taughtherein and understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Some features may be described using relative terms such as top, bottom,vertical, rightward, leftward, etc. It should be appreciated that suchrelative terms are only for reference with respect to the appendedFigures. These relative terms are not meant to limit the disclosedembodiments. More specifically, it is contemplated that the valvesdepicted in the appended Figures will be oriented in various directionsin practice and that the relative orientation of features will changeaccordingly.

FIGS. 2 to 6 illustrate an exemplary receptacle 100. Receptacle 100includes a housing 110, valve seat assembly, a poppet or valve seatengager 130, a spring 140, and a spring retainer 150. The valve seatassembly includes a valve seat body 120, a first O-ring or packing 121,and a second O-ring or packing 123. During operation, a nozzle (notshown) may be placed over and around a first portion of body 110adjacent inlet port 110 a. The nozzle may include a poppet, similar topoppet 130, but oriented in the opposite direction (i.e., flipped 180degrees). The nozzle poppet may contact the surface 131 a of poppet 130,causing poppet 130 to slide toward outlet port 110 b and disengage fromvalve seat body 120, thus opening receptacle 100.

After the nozzle is engaged and opened, fluid flows between valve seatbody 120 and poppet 130, between body 110 and spring 140, through holesdefined in spring retainer 150 and exits through outlet port 110 b intoa tank (not shown). Engagement between a nozzle and a receptacle isshown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/368,360, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 illustrate an exemplary body 110 (also referred to asa “main body”) of receptacle 100. Body 110 defines an inlet port or void110 a, an outlet port or void 110 b, and radial venting holes 110 c.Body 110 includes an annular recess 111, a radially extending flange 112defining a plurality of cylindrical holes 112 a, a threaded end fitting113, a cylindrical inner surface 114, a partially conical seatingsurface 115, inner threads 116, and a step 117.

Annular recess 111 is configured to receive inwardly protruding ballbearings (not shown) connected to the nozzle (not shown). Morespecifically, a user covers annular recess 111 with the nozzle, whichhas springs or other members that inwardly bias the ball bearings. Whenthe ball bearings are positioned over annular recess 111, the userreleases a sleeve (not shown) retaining the ball bearings, enabling theball bearings to occupy annular recess 111. While the ball bearingsoccupy annular recess 111, the nozzle is fixed to receptacle 100, thuspreventing an unintended disconnection between the nozzle and receptacle100.

When the user is finished, the user retracts the ball bearings and pullsthe nozzle to away from receptacle 100 until the nozzle no longer coversreceptacle 100. Example of ball bearings of a nozzle engaging areceptacle are shown in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 9,194,524 toKonishi and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016/0312939 to Konishi, both ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Radially extending flange 112 has an outer diameter exceeding an innerdiameter of the nozzle. Radially extending flange 112 thus prevents auser from covering too much of receptacle 100 with the nozzle (i.e.,extending body 110 too far into the nozzle). Clips extending from thenozzle may engage holes 112 a, further locking the nozzle with respectto receptacle 100. Threaded end fitting 113 may connect to a threadedconduit (not shown). The threaded conduit may deliver fluid leavingreceptacle via outlet port 110 b to a tank (not shown). Alternatively,threaded end fitting 113 may directly connect to the tank.

Cylindrical inner surface 114 is generally smooth and configured toengage an O-ring or packing located about an outer diameter of aninwardly protruding member of the nozzle. More specifically, once a userhas fixed the nozzle to receptacle 100, the user may slide the inwardlyprotruding member into inlet port 110 a. The inwardly protruding memberincludes a cylindrical valve seat body somewhat similar to valve seatbody 120, but facing in the opposite direction. An O-ring or packing ofthe inwardly protruding member slides along and compresses againstcylindrical inner surface 114. This O-ring or packing prevents fluidfrom flowing backwards (i.e., to the left in FIG. 2) and escaping intoambient atmosphere via inlet port 110 a and/or venting holes 110 c.

Partially conical seating surface 115, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,compresses first O-ring or packing 121 against valve seat body 120. Byvirtue of this compression, first O-ring or packing 121 prevents fluidlocated on the tank side of valve seat body 120 (e.g., fluid near spring140) from leaking between body 110 and valve seat body 120 whenreceptacle 100 is closed.

Inner threads 116 engage outer threads 126 of valve seat body 120, thussecuring valve seat body 120 with respect to body 110. Step 117 servesas a stop for spring retainer 150. More specifically, step 117 preventsspring 140 from pushing spring retainer 150 toward threaded end fitting113.

FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6 illustrate an exemplary valve seat body 120. FIG. 6includes the same view of valve seat body 120 as FIG. 5 and furtherincludes schematic representations of debris D having a momentum vectorM, fluid flow F, and poppet 130. Valve seat body 120 includes outersurfaces 122 surrounding first O-ring or packing 121, first innersurfaces 124 surrounding second O-ring or packing 123, second innersurfaces defining a central void, outer threads 126. The second innersurfaces include flats 125. Valve seat body 120 includes a first endportion 120 x with an inner annular groove for receiving inner packing123 and a second opposing end portion 120 y with an outer annular groovefor receiving outer packing 121.

As previously discussed, packing 121 is compressed between body 110 andvalve seat body 120 to prevent fluid leakage between body 110 and valveseat body 120. More specifically, packing 121 is compressed between (a)cylindrical inner surface 114 of body 110, (b) partially conical seatingsurface 115 of body 110, (c) a ring-shaped first outer ledge surface 122a of valve seat body 120, (d) a cylindrical outer surface 122 b of valveseat body 120, and (e) an opposing ring-shaped second outer ledgesurface 122 c of valve seat body 120.

Surfaces 122 a, 122 b, 122 c (also referred to as outer surfaces)cooperate to define the outer annular groove for receiving outer packing121. When viewed in cross section, as shown in FIG. 5, surfaces 122 aand 122 c may be parallel and perpendicular to surface 122 b. Surface122 a may have an outer diameter exceeding an outer diameter of surface122 c. Packing 121 may have a flat first surface matching surface 122 a,a flat second surface 122 b matching surface 122 b, and an arced outersurface 121 a. Packing 121 may be sized and configured for aninterference fit inside of the annular groove defined by surfaces 122 a,122 b, 122 c.

Second O-ring or packing 123 is fixed, via compression, inside of theinner annular groove defined in valve seat body 120. When receptacle 100is closed, poppet 130 seals against inner packing 123, thus preventingfluid downstream of valve seat body 120 (e.g., fluid near spring 140)from flowing between poppet 130 and valve seat body 120 and escapingreceptacle via inlet port 110 a and/or vent holes 110 c.

As stated above, valve seat body 120 includes first inner surfacesdefining an inner annular groove at first end portion 120 x in whichinner packing 123 is disposed. These first inner surfaces 124 a to 124 finclude, a cylindrical inner surface 124 a and inner surfaces 124 b, acylindrical inner surface 124 c, a ring-sixth inner surface 124 d, acylindrical inner surface 124 e, and a ring-shaped inner surface 124 f.Surfaces 124 b define a minor annular inner groove. This annular grooveor pocket is L-shaped when viewed in cross section, as shown in FIGS. 5and 6.

Surfaces 124 a to 124 f are also referred to as first inner surfaces.Surface 124 d is also referred to as a first wall, surface 124 c is alsoreferred to as a second wall, surface 124 e is also referred to as athird wall. Surfaces 124 b are also referred to as fourth, fifth, andsixth walls.

Inner packing 123 may be sized and configured for an interference fitinside the annular inner groove or pocket defined by surfaces 124 a to124 e. Such an interference fit binds inner packing 123 in place withrespect to valve seat body 120. More specifically, the portion of innerpacking 123 located between surfaces 124 c and 124 e may be wider thanthe radial distance between surfaces 124 c and 124 e. As a result,surfaces 124 c and 124 e discourage packing 123 from moving radially(e.g., toward poppet 130) with respect to valve seat body 120. Surfaces124 d and 124 f push packing 123 toward spring 140. Surfaces 124 bcounter the force exerted by surfaces 124 d and 124 f. Thus, surfaces124 b discourage packing 123 from moving longitudinally (e.g., towardspring 140).

Inner packing 123 includes a cylindrical outer surface 123 a, apartially conical outer surface 123 b, and a ring-shaped outer surface124 b. As shown in FIG. 1, when receptacle 100 is closed, sealingsurface 132 of poppet 130 bears against surfaces 123 b and/or 123 c ofinner packing 123. As shown in FIG. 5, inner packing thus includes afirst ring-shaped and annular portion 123 d contacting surfaces 124 c,124 d, 124 e of valve seat body 120 and a second ring-shaped and annularportion 123 e contacting surfaces 124 b of valve seat body 120.

As shown in FIG. 3, and as discussed below, flats 125 (also called toolor teeth engagers) enable a user to unscrew valve seat body 120 frombody 110 through inlet port 110 a. As shown in FIG. 7, each flat 125includes two flat portions or surfaces 120 c intersecting 120 f at anacute angle. As a result, and as shown in FIG. 6, valve seat body 120defines a first inner perimeter 120 a and a second inner perimeter 120b. First inner perimeter 120 a, as shown schematically in FIG. 7,includes arced portions 120 d (also called connecting portions) betweenflats 125. Arced portions 120 d meet flats 125 at edges 120 e. Edges 120e may be parallel with longitudinal axis L.

Although six flats 125 are shown, any number may be present as may bedictated by size and other engineering considerations. Flats 125 may belocated at regular and equal intervals in the first inner perimeter 120a, such that each of the arced portions 120 d have an identicalcurvature and length and each of the flats 125 have an identical lengthand surface area. In contrast, second inner perimeter 120 b is circular.FIG. 7 shows a radius R extending between a longitudinal axis of valveseat body 120 (which may be collinear with longitudinal axis L ofreceptacle 100) and one of the arced portions 120 d. This radius R maybe a minimum inner radius of valve seat body 120, such that every otherradius between the longitudinal axis of valve seat body 120 and one ofthe second inner surfaces of valve seat body 120 is greater than orequal to radius R.

First inner perimeter 120 a may have any custom shape except a circle.As schematically shown in FIG. 8, first inner perimeter 120 a may be apolygon. Connecting portion 120 d meet flats 120 c along edges 120 e.Flats 120 c meet at intersections 120 f. Although tool engagers 125 havebeen described as flats, with reference to FIG. 9, tool engagers 125 maycomprise two arced surfaces 120 c meeting connecting portions 120 d atedges 120 e.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, poppet 130 includes a first cylindricalpost 131, a partially conical sealing surface 132, a spring ledge 133, astopping surface 134, and a second cylindrical post 135. First post 131includes a circular nozzle engaging surface 131 a.

As stated above, the nozzle includes an inwardly protruding member. Theinwardly protruding member may include the nozzle poppet, which includesa circular receptacle engaging surface similar to, but facing, circularnozzle engaging surface 131 a. As the inwardly protruding member slidesinto receptacle 100, the circular receptacle engaging surface of thenozzle contacts and bears against circular nozzle engaging surface 131 aof receptacle 100.

The nozzle poppet pushes poppet 130 away from valve seat body 120. Whenpoppet 130 is pushed away from valve seat body 120, poppet 130disengages from inner packing 123, thus opening receptacle 100.Eventually, poppet 130 stops against spring retainer 150. The usercontinues to push the inwardly protruding member toward outlet port 110b. Because poppet 130 can no longer move further toward spring retainer150, poppet 130 applies an opposing counter force against the nozzlepoppet. This counter force causes the nozzle poppet to disengage from anozzle sealing surface (e.g., a valve seat body or a packing), thusopening the nozzle.

At this point, fluid flows between poppet 130 and inner packing 123,past spring 140, through holes defined in spring retainer 150, and outof receptacle 100 via outlet port 110 b. It should be appreciated thatthe order of this process may be switched, such that poppet 130 opensthe nozzle poppet until the nozzle poppet reaches a stop, which thenforces poppet 130 open.

Partially conical sealing surface 132 is configured to compress innerpacking 123 against valve seat body 120, thus generating a fluid tightseal. Spring ledge 133 is ring-shaped and receives one end of spring140. Spring ledge has an outer diameter exceeding an outer diameter ofspring 140. Stopping surface 134 is a ring-shaped ledge and isconfigured to contact spring retainer 150. Second post 135 slides withina longitudinally extending void defined in spring retainer 150. Secondpost 135 aligns poppet 130 with respect to longitudinal axis L.

Spring 140 is helically coiled and rests between poppet 130 and springretainer 150. Spring 140 biases poppet 130 toward compressive contactwith inner packing 123. The force exerted by the nozzle poppet opposesthe biasing force of spring 140, enabling poppet 130 to slide towardoutlet port 110 b.

As shown more clearly in FIG. 11 spring retainer 150 defines a pluralityof passages 157 a, 157 b, 157 c, 157 d with the main body 110 forenabling fluid passage toward outlet 110 b. Alternatively or inaddition, poppet 130 may include one or more voids defined in secondpost 135 for achieving the same objective. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and11, the spring retainer 150 includes a ring-shaped stopping surface 151,a ring-shaped seating surface 152, and a stopping surface 153.

The stopping surface 151 arrests movement of poppet 130 toward outletport 110 b by contacting poppet stopping surface 134. One end of spring140 bears on seating surface 152. The plurality of arms 155 a-d contactsstep 117 of body 110 via the stopping surface 153, thus preventingspring 140 from pushing spring retainer 150 toward outlet port 110 b.

The disclosed receptacle 100 offers several advantages over existingreceptacles. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, no surfaces ofvalve seat body 120 discourage outer packing 121 from moving radiallyoutward (e.g., toward body 110). Put differently, the interference fitbetween outer packing 121 and valve seat body 120 squeezes outer packing121 radially outward and toward inner surfaces 114 and 115 of body 110.As a result, outer packing 121 firmly engages inner surfaces 114 and 115of body 110, resulting in a quality seal and a reduction in venting offluid past valve seat body 120 into atmosphere.

Furthermore, and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, outer surfaces 123 a, 123 b,and 123 c do not perpendicularly intersect the flow direction ofupstream fluid in receptacle 100, or at least directly upstream fluid inreceptacle 100, when receptacle 100 is open. More specifically, whenreceptacle 100 is open, fluid generally travels parallel to outersurface 123 b of inner packing 123. This is advantageous because fluidflow through receptacle 100 may include debris (e.g., dirt). Since outersurfaces 123 a, 123 b, 123 c do not perpendicularly intersect the flowdirection of upstream fluid, debris will be carried, under its ownmomentum, past inner packing 123. If outer surfaces 123 a, 123 b, 123 cdid perpendicularly intersect to the flow direction of upstream fluid,then momentum of the debris could cause the debris to collide withsurfaces 123 a, 123 b, 123 c, thus impairing the seal quality betweenpoppet 130 and inner packing 123 and increasing the venting of fluidfrom within receptacle 100, past valve seat body 120, and intoatmosphere.

As shown in FIG. 6, debris D has a momentum vector M. Because fluid flowupstream of inner packing 123 does not perpendicularly intersect outersurfaces 123 a, 123 b, or 123 c, the momentum vector does not intersectouter surfaces 123 a, 123 b, or 123 c, thus reducing the possibility ofcollision between debris D and inner packing 123.

Additionally, the unique L-shaped geometry of inner packing 123 enablesvalve seat body 120 to hold inner packing 123 in place, whilecompressing inner packing 123 radially inward and into contact withpoppet 130. As a result, venting of fluid is discouraged.

As a further example, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, flats 125 areexposed via inlet port 110 a. Put differently, no portion of receptacle100 covers flats 125. As a result, a user may access and remove allcomponents inside body 110 via inlet port 110 a. More specifically, theuser may engage flats 125 with a tool and twist to un-thread valve seatbody 120 from body 110. Once valve seat body 120 has been unthreaded,the user may reach through port 110 a and remove valve seat body 120,packings 121, 123, poppet 130, spring 140, and spring retainer 150.

The user may reinstall the internal components in a similar fashion.More specifically, the user may insert spring retainer 150 until springretainer 150 stops against step 117 of body 110. The user may placespring around 140 around the protruding portion 154 of spring retainer150. The user may position poppet 130 partially inside of springretainer 150. The user may replace one or both of the packings 121, 123,and insert valve seat body 120 into body 110. With the same tool, theuser may engage flats 125 to thread valve seat body 120 into body 110.

To facilitate assembly and disassembly of receptacle 100, valve seatbody 120, poppet 130, spring 140, spring retainer 150, outer packing121, and inner packing 123, upon assembly, may all have a maximum outerdiameter less than or equal to a minimum inner diameter of inlet port110 a. It should be appreciated, however that upon disassembly, packings121, 123 may expand to have a maximum outer diameter greater than theminimum inner diameter of inlet port 110 a.

Furthermore, body 110 may be made of a first material (e.g., stainlesssteel), valve seat body 120 may be made of a second material (e.g.,brass), and packings 121, 123 made me made of a third material (e.g.,molded plastic). The second material may have a greater coefficient ofthermal expansion than the first material. The third material may have agreater coefficient of thermal expansion than the second material. As aresult, when receptacle 100 is subject to cryogenic temperatures, valveseat body 120 may shrink to a greater extent than body 110. Packings121, 123 may shrink to a greater extent than valve seat body 120.Because outer packing 121 is radially outwardly biased by valve seatbody 120, when valve seat body 120 shrinks, valve seat body 120 willcontinue to compress outer packing 121, thus ensuring that outer packing121 continues to seal against body 110. As a result, venting of fluid isdiscouraged.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a receptacle1000 in accordance with the teachings herein. The receptacle 1000includes the main body 110, the poppet 130, the spring 140, and thespring retainer 150, all of which may be identical or substantiallyidentical to those elements as discussed above.

Spring retainer 150 as shown in FIG. 11 is substantially identical tothat shown in, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3, and includes a plurality of arms 155a, 155 b, 155 c, 155 d that extend radially outwardly from a flangedsleeve portion 156. The flanged sleeve portion 156 defines a circularhole 158 configured to receive the second post 135 of the poppet 130.Thus, the flanged sleeve portion 156 is slidably engaged with the secondpost 135. The flanged sleeve portion 156 includes the stopping surface151 and the seating surface 152. The plurality of arms 155 a-d includethe stopping surface 153. Spring retainer 150 may be cylindrical, asshown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 10. In some examples, the spring retainer maybe a plurality of ribs inwardly radially extending from main body 110.As such, the plurality of holes defined in spring retainer 150 may begaps defined between adjacent ribs.

Receptacle 1000 further includes a valve seat assembly 1200. The valveseat assembly 1200 is threadably engaged inside the main body 110 todirectly contact the partially conical surface 115. In other words, asthe valve seat assembly 1200 threaded into the main body 110, the valveseat assembly 1200 produces a metal-to-metal interference seal with themain body 110 at the partially conical surface 115, as will be furtherexplained in conjunction with FIGS. 12, 13A, and 13B.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the valve seat assembly 1200. Asshown in the example of FIG. 12, the valve seat assembly 1200 includes avalve seat 1210, a seat disc 1230, and a seat ring 1240. The seat disc1230 is disposed in the valve seat 1210. The seat ring 1240 isthreadably engaged with the valve seat 1210 to retain the seat disc 1230in the valve seat 1200, as will be explained in greater detail inconjunction with FIGS. 13A-15.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are front and cross sectional views, respectively ofthe valve seat 1210. As shown in FIGS. 12, 13A, and 13B, the valve seat1210 includes a generally cylindrical body 1310, a sealing flange 1320,a sealing lip 1330, a first annular extension 1340, a second annularextension 1350, and a plurality of ridges 1360. In some examples, thevalve seat 1210 is composed of corrosion-resistant metallic materials(e.g., bronze, brass, copper alloys, zinc alloys, stainless steel, etc.)

The sealing flange 1320 extends radially outward from the body 1310. Thesealing lip 1330 extends axially away from the sealing flange 1320. Thebody 1310, the sealing flange 1320, and the sealing lip 1330 define anannular channel 1322. As the valve seat 1210 is threaded into the mainbody 110, the sealing lip 1320 contacts the partially conical surface115 is deformed radially inwardly to partially close the annular channel1322. In some examples, the sealing lip 1320 is elastically deformed.Thus, the sealing lip 1320 forms a metal-to-metal interference seal withthe partially conical surface 115, but generally returns to itsundeformed state when the valve seat 1320 is unthreaded from the mainbody 110.

The first and second annular extensions 1340, 1350 and the plurality ofridges 1370 extend axially away from the body 1310. The second annularextension 1350 is disposed inside the first annular extension 1340. Putdifferently, the first annular extension 1340 concentrically surroundsthe second annular extension 1350. Thus, the first annular extension1340 may also be referred to as an outer annular extension and thesecond annular extension 1350 may also be referred to as an innerannular extension. The first annular extension 1340 is longer than thesecond annular extension 1350. The first annular extension 1340 and aportion of the body 1310 are externally threaded. The first annularextension 1340 is additionally internally threaded. The body 1310, thefirst and second annular extensions 1340, 1350 and the plurality ofridges 1370 to define an annular pocket 1312. More specifically, thebody 1310 and the plurality of ridges form the bottom of the annularpocket 1312 and the first and second annular extensions 1340, 1350 formthe sides of the annular pocket 1312.

The body 1310 defines a first inner region 1370 of the valve seat 1210.The body 1310 and the second annular extension 1350 define a secondinner region 1380 of the valve seat 1210. The first inner region 1370and the second inner region 1380 define an inner void 1390. Inoperation, fluid flows through the inner void 1390.

The first inner region 1370 has a non-circular first inner perimeter1371. The second inner region 1380 has a second inner perimeter 1381.The second inner perimeter 1381 is generally circular and is smallerthan the first inner perimeter 1371.

Thus, because the second inner perimeter 1381 is smaller than the firstinner perimeter 1371, the body 1310 has at least one inner ledge 1314where the first and second inner regions 1370, 1380 meet. The firstinner perimeter 1371 and the inner ledge(s) 1314 define one or moretool-engaging features 1372. It should be understood that the firstinner perimeter 1371 may be any shape that permits torque to be appliedto the valve seat 1210 with a corresponding tool to thread and unthreadthe valve seat 1210 from the main body 110 (e.g., ovate, polygonal,etc.). It should also be appreciated that the tool-engaging feature(s)1372 extend partially through the valve seat 1210. In other words, theinner ledge(s) 1314 block a tool used to loosen and tighten the valveseat 1210 in the main body 110 from being inserted completely throughthe valve seat 1210. In the examples of FIGS. 12, 13A, and 13B, thefirst inner perimeter 1371 includes six regularly-spaced alternatingarcuate sections 1374 and paired flats 1373 a, 1373 b. Thus, in theexamples of FIGS. 12, 13A, and 13B, the tool-engaging features 1372 aredefined by the paired flats 1373 a, 1373 b and the inner ledges 1314 andare configured to receive and engage a hexagonal tool (e.g., an Allenkey, etc.).

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the seat disc 1230. As shown in theexample of FIG. 14, the seat disc 1230 has an body 1410, a flange 1420,and a lip 1430. The body 1410, the flange 1420, and the lip 1430 aregenerally annular. The flange 1420 extends generally perpendicularlyradially outwardly from the body 1410. The lip 1430 extends generallyperpendicularly radially inwardly from the body 1410. The lip 1430 isgenerally parallel with the flange 1420. The flange 1420 defines anouter shoulder 1422 with the body 1410. The lip 1430 defines an innershoulder 1432 with the body 1410. In other words, in cross section, theflange 1420, the body 1410, and the lip 1430 form a zigzag shape. Asshown in FIG. 12, the seat disc 1230 is configured to be inserted intothe annular pocket 1312 such that the flange 1420 contacts the body 1310and the ridges 1312 of the valve seat 1210, the body 1410 contacts thesecond annular extension 1350, and the lip 1430 catches the secondannular extension 1350 at the inner shoulder 1432. In some examples, theseat disc 1230 is made of a polymer material (e.g., plastic, ultra-highmolecular weight polyethylene, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.). Asshown in FIG. 11, the poppet 130 contacts the lip 1430 to close (e.g.,stop fluid flow) the receptacle 1000, thus forming a fluid-tight seal.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are rear and cross sectional views, respectively, ofthe seat ring 1240. The seat ring 1240 includes a generally cylindricalbody 1510. The body 1510 defines an inner void 1590, a first tool pocket1521, and a second tool pocket 1522. The first and second tool pockets1521, 1522 are generally defined in the body 1510 opposite one another.The body 1510 is externally threaded and has a bottom surface 1512 andan inner surface 1514. Looking at FIGS. 12, 13B, and 15B, the seat ring1240 is configured to threadably engage with the first annular extension1340. More specifically, the seat ring 1240 is threaded into the firstannular extension 1340. Once the seat disc 1230 is placed in the annularpocket 1312, as the seat ring 1240 is threaded into the first annularextension 1340, the inner surface 1514 contacts the body 1410 and thebottom surface 1512 contacts the flange 1420. When the seat ring 1240 istightened, the seat disc 1230 is forced against the ridges 1312 suchthat the ridges 1312 dig into the seat disc 1230. Thus, the seat disc1230 is secured in the valve seat 1210 and rotation of the seat disc1230 is substantially prevented. It should be appreciated that the firstand second tool pockets 1521, 1522 are configured to receive tool(s)(e.g., tips of a needle-nose pliers, a two-tipped fork, rods, Allenkeys, etc.) to apply torque to the seat ring 1240 to thread and unthreadthe seat ring 1240 relative to the valve seat 1210. In some examples,the seat ring 1240 is composed of corrosion-resistant metallicmaterials.

It should be appreciated that the poppet 130 does not contact the valveseat 1210 or the seat ring 1240. Thus, because the poppet 130 contactsthe polymer surfaces of the seat disc 1230 instead of the metallicsurfaces of the valve seat 1210 or the seat ring 1240 to close thereceptacle 1000, wear on and/or scratch formation in the poppet 130 isreduced. Thus, leakage from the receptacle 1000 is substantiallyreduced.

The above-discussed advantages are not the only advantages of thedisclosed embodiments. Other advantages should be apparent after readingthe above detailed description.

It should thus be appreciated that the present application discloses areceptacle for conveying fluid. The receptacle may include a body, avalve seat assembly, a poppet, a spring retainer, and a spring. The bodymay define an inlet port and an outlet port. The valve seat assembly maycomprise a valve seat body and a packing. The valve seat body may bedisposed in and secured to the body.

The valve seat body may include: a first end portion, an opposing secondend portion. The first end portion may include a plurality of firstinner surfaces defining an inner annular groove. The valve seat body mayinclude a plurality of second inner surfaces defining an inner void andcomprising one or more arced surfaces and one or more flats. The poppetmay be disposed in the body.

The spring retainer may be disposed in, and fixed with respect to, thebody. The spring may be disposed between the poppet and the springretainer. The spring may bias the poppet toward the first position. Thepacking may be disposed in the inner annular groove. The poppet may bemovable between a first position where the poppet is engaged to thepacking and a second position where the poppet is disengaged from thepacking.

At least some of the second inner surfaces may define a first innerperimeter of the inner void and at least some of the second innersurfaces may define a second inner perimeter of the inner void. Each ofthe first and second inner perimeters may occupy planes perpendicular toa reference longitudinal axis of the receptacle, and each of the firstand second inner perimeters may have different geometry.

The first inner perimeter may comprise a plurality of arced portionscorresponding to the one or more arced surfaces and a plurality of flatportions corresponding to the one or more flats.

All of the one or more arced surfaces and all of the one or more flatsmay define the first inner perimeter, and all of the one or more arcedsurfaces, but none of the one or more flats, may define the second innerperimeter.

The first perimeter may be disposed closer to the inlet port than thesecond perimeter.

Each of the flats may comprise two of the plurality of flat portions.The two flat portions of each flat may intersect and each of theintersections may be further from the longitudinal axis of thereceptacle than each of the plurality of arced portions. The secondinner perimeter may be a circle.

The valve seat body may define a reference longitudinal axis and aplurality of radii extending between the longitudinal axis and theplurality of second inner surfaces.

A first radius between the longitudinal axis and one of the one or morearced surfaces may be a minimum of the plurality of radii, such thatevery other radius between the longitudinal axis of the valve seat bodyand one of the second inner surfaces of the valve seat body is greaterthan or equal to the first radius.

Each of the valve seat body, the poppet, the spring retainer, thepacking, and the spring may have a maximum outer diameter less than orequal to a minimum inner diameter of the inlet port.

Each of the valve seat body, poppet, spring retainer, spring, andpacking may be removable from the body via the inlet port withoutdisassembling the body and without damaging or deforming any portion ofeach of the body, the valve seat body, the poppet, the spring retainer,the spring, and the packing.

It should thus be appreciated that the present application discloses areceptacle for conveying fluid. The receptacle may comprise a body, avalve seat assembly, a poppet, a spring retainer, and a spring. Thevalve seat assembly may comprise a valve seat body, an outer packing,and an inner packing. The body may define an inlet port and an outletport.

The valve seat body may be disposed in and secured to the body. Thevalve seat body may comprise: a first end portion and an opposing secondend portion. The first end portion may comprise a plurality of firstinner surfaces defining an inner annular groove. The plurality of firstinner surfaces may comprise a first wall, a second wall perpendicularlyintersecting one end of the first wall, and a third wall perpendicularlyintersecting an opposing end of the first wall.

The opposing second end portion may define an outer annular groove. Thevalve seat body may comprise one or more second inner surfaces definingan inner void. The poppet may be disposed in the body; The springretainer may be disposed in, and fixed with respect to, the body. Thespring may be disposed between the poppet and the spring retainer. Thespring may bias the poppet toward the first position.

The outer packing may be disposed in the outer annular groove. The outerpacking may contact one or more inner surfaces of the body and one ormore outer surfaces of the valve seat body. The inner packing may bedisposed in the inner annular groove.

The poppet may be movable between a first position where the poppet isengaged to the inner packing and a second position where the poppet isdisengaged from the inner packing. The inner packing may comprise afirst ring-shaped and annular portion contacting the first wall, thesecond wall, and the third wall.

The plurality of first inner surfaces may comprise a fourth wall, afifth wall, and a sixth wall. The fifth wall may perpendicularlyintersect one end of the fourth wall and the sixth wall mayperpendicularly intersect another end of the fourth wall.

A reference segment tangent to the fourth wall may perpendicularlyintersect a reference plane coplanar with the first wall. The first,second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth walls may be annular and incontact with the inner packing. The plurality of first inner surfacesmay comprise a seventh wall and the inner packing contacts the seventhwall.

The inner packing may comprise an inwardly facing portion. The inwardlyfacing portion may comprise three different packing surfaces. None ofthe three different packing surfaces may contact the valve seat body.The three different packing surfaces may comprise a first cylindricalsurface, a second partially conical surface, and a third cylindricalsurface.

It should thus be appreciated that the present application discloses areceptacle for conveying fluid. The receptacle may comprise: a body, avalve assembly, a poppet, a spring retainer, and a spring. The valveseat assembly may comprise a valve seat body, an outer packing, and aninner packing. The body may define an inlet port and an outlet port.

The valve seat body may be disposed in and secured to the body. Thevalve seat body may comprise: a first end portion and an opposing secondend portion. The first end portion may comprise a plurality of firstinner surfaces defining an inner annular groove. The plurality of firstinner surfaces may comprise four different first inner surfaces. Theopposing second end portion may define an outer annular groove. Thevalve seat body may comprise one or more second inner surfaces definingan inner void.

The poppet may be disposed in the body. The spring retainer may bedisposed in and fixed with respect to the body. The spring may bedisposed between the poppet and the spring retainer. The spring may biasthe poppet toward the first position.

The outer packing may be disposed in the outer annular groove. The outerpacking may contact one or more inner surfaces of the body and one ormore outer surfaces of the valve seat body. The inner packing may bedisposed in the inner annular groove.

The poppet may be movable between a first position where the poppet isengaged to the inner packing and a second position where the poppet isdisengaged from the inner packing. The inner packing may contact each ofthe four different first inner surfaces.

The plurality of first inner surfaces may comprise six different firstinner surfaces. The six different first inner surfaces may comprise thefour different first inner surfaces. The inner packing may contact eachof the six different first inner surfaces.

The poppet may comprise a flat upper surface. The flat upper surface maybe closer to the inlet port than any other surfaces of the poppet. Thevalve seat body may be disposed closer to the inlet port than the springretainer.

The spring retainer may comprise one or more stopping surfaces facingthe inlet port. The poppet may engage with the one or more stoppingsurfaces when the poppet is in the second position. The poppet may bedisengaged from the one or more stopping surfaces when the poppet is inthe first position.

The body may comprise an inner ledge. The spring retainer may be fixedwith respect to the body by virtue of being compressed by the springagainst the inner ledge.

Each of the valve seat body, the poppet, the spring retainer, spring,the outer packing, and the inner packing may have a maximum outerdiameter less than or equal to a minimum inner diameter of the inletport.

Each of the valve seat body, poppet, spring retainer, spring, outerpacking, and inner packing may be removable from the body via the inletport without disassembling the body and without damaging or deformingany portion of each of the body, the valve seat body, the poppet, thespring retainer, the spring, the outer packing, and the inner packing.

The one or more inner surfaces of the body contacting the outer packingmay comprise a cylindrical inner surface and a partially conical innersurface.

It should thus be appreciated that the present application discloses areceptacle for conveying fluid. The receptacle may comprise a body, avalve seat assembly, a poppet, a spring retainer, and a spring. Thevalve seat assembly may comprise a valve seat body, an outer packing,and an inner packing. The body may define an inlet port and an outletport.

The valve seat body may be disposed in and secured to the body. Thevalve seat body may comprise a first end portion and an opposing secondend portion. The first end portion may define an inner annular grooveand the second end portion may define an outer annular groove. The valveseat body may comprise one or more inner surfaces defining an innervoid.

The poppet may be disposed in the body. The spring retainer may bedisposed in, and fixed with respect to, the body. The spring may bedisposed between the poppet and the spring retainer. The spring may biasthe poppet toward the first position.

The outer packing may be disposed in the outer annular groove. The outerpacking may contact one or more inner surfaces of the body and one ormore outer surfaces of the valve seat body. The inner packing may bedisposed in the inner annular groove.

The poppet may be movable between a first position where the poppet isengaged to the inner packing and a second position where the poppet isdisengaged from the inner packing. The inner packing may have anL-shaped cross section.

It should thus be appreciated that the present application discloses areceptacle for conveying fluid. The receptacle may comprise a body, avalve seat assembly, a poppet, a spring retainer, and a spring. Thevalve seat assembly may comprise a valve seat body, an outer packing,and an inner packing. The body may define an inlet port and an outletport.

The valve seat body may be disposed in and secured to the body. Thevalve seat body may comprise: a first end portion and an opposing secondend portion. The first end portion may comprise a plurality of firstinner surfaces defining an inner annular groove. The plurality of firstinner surfaces may comprise four different first inner surfaces. Thefour different first inner surfaces may comprise a first wall, a secondwall perpendicularly intersecting one end of the first wall, and a thirdwall perpendicularly intersecting an opposing end of the first wall.

The opposing second end portion may define an outer annular groove. Thevalve seat body may comprise a plurality of second inner surfacesdefining an inner void. The second inner surfaces may comprise one ormore arced surfaces and one or more flats.

The poppet may be disposed in the body. The spring retainer may bedisposed in and fixed with respect to the body. The spring may bedisposed between the poppet and the spring retainer.

The outer packing may be disposed in the outer annular groove. The outerpacking may contact one or more inner surfaces of the body and one ormore outer surfaces of the valve seat body.

The inner packing may be disposed in the inner annular groove. The innerpacking may comprise an L-shaped cross section. The poppet may bemovable between a first position where the poppet is engaged to theinner packing and a second position where the poppet is disengaged fromthe inner packing. The inner packing may comprise a first ring-shapedand annular portion contacting the first wall, the second wall, and thethird wall. The inner packing may contact each of the four differentfirst inner surfaces.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and alternatives to those details could be developed inlight of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, theparticular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only andnot limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given thefull breadth of the appended claims and any equivalent thereof.

It should be appreciated that the term “diameter” when used in theclaims, does not necessarily mean that the feature having the diameteris circular. Instead, the term diameter should be understood to at leastencompass a maximum straight distance between two opposing outersurfaces of the feature. For example, a square could have an outerdiameter extending between opposing corners.

It should be appreciated that when the claims recite features that arefixed or connected to each other, such features may be integral ornon-integral.

What is claimed is:
 1. A receptacle comprising: a main body defining aninlet and an outlet; a spring retainer disposed in the main body andremovable from the main body via the inlet; a valve seat assemblydisposed in the main body and removable from the main body via theinlet; a poppet slidably engaged with the spring retainer between aclosed position and an open position and engageable with the valve seatassembly; and a spring engaged with the spring retainer and with thepoppet to urge the poppet against the valve seat assembly.
 2. Thereceptacle of claim 1, wherein the valve seat assembly comprises: a seatdisc disposed in a valve seat, wherein the poppet contacts the seat discin the closed position; and a seat ring engaged with the valve seat toretain the seat disc.
 3. The receptacle of claim 2, wherein: the valveseat comprises a body, a first annular extension extending axially awayfrom the body, and a second annular extension extending axially awayfrom the body, the second annular extension being concentricallydisposed in the first annular extension; the body, the first annularextension, and the second annular extension define an annular pocket;and the seat disc is disposed in the annular pocket.
 4. The receptacleof claim 3, wherein the seat ring is externally threaded; the firstannular extension is internally threaded to threadably receive the seatring; and the seat disc is captured by the seat ring, the body, and thesecond annular extension.
 5. The receptacle of claim 2, wherein: thevalve seat comprises a body, a sealing flange extending radiallyoutwardly from the body, and a sealing lip extending axially away fromthe sealing flange; and the body, the sealing flange, and the sealinglip define an annular channel.
 6. The receptacle of claim 5, wherein thesealing lip contacts the main body to seal the valve seat to the mainbody.
 7. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the valve seat assembly isconfigured to receive a tool to engage the valve seat assembly with themain body and to remove the valve seat assembly from the main body. 8.The receptacle of claim 1, wherein when the valve seat assembly isengaged with the main body, the spring retainer is captured between thespring and the main body; and when the valve seat assembly is removedfrom the main body, the spring retainer slides freely out of the mainbody.
 9. A receptacle comprising: a main body configured to convey fluidand including an inner step having a first inner diameter and a seatingsurface having a second inner diameter greater than the first innerdiameter; a spring retainer removably disposed in the main body to abutthe inner step; a valve seat assembly removably engaged with the mainbody to abut the seating surface; a poppet slidably engaged with thespring retainer between an open position and a closed position andconfigured to selectively engage with the valve seat assembly; and aspring engaged with the poppet and with the spring retainer to urge thepoppet against the valve seat assembly.
 10. The receptacle of claim 9,wherein the valve seat assembly comprises a seat disc disposed in avalve seat, wherein the poppet contacts the seat disc in the closedposition; and a seat ring engaged with the valve seat to retain the seatdisc.
 11. The receptacle of claim 10, wherein the poppet has a partiallyconical sealing surface to engage the seat disc in the closed position.12. The receptacle of claim 10, wherein the seat ring defines at leastone tool pocket to receive a tool to threadably engage the seat ringwith the valve seat.
 13. The receptacle of claim 9, wherein: the springretainer comprises a plurality of outwardly extending arms; theplurality of arms abut the inner step; and the plurality of arms and themain body define a corresponding plurality of passages.
 14. Thereceptacle of claim 13, wherein, when the poppet is pushed away from thevalve seat assembly from the closed position to the open position, thefluid flows through the valve seat assembly and the plurality ofpassages.
 15. The receptacle of claim 10, wherein the valve seatcomprises a body, a sealing flange extending radially outwardly from thebody, and a sealing lip extending axially away from the sealing flange;and the body, the sealing flange, and the sealing lip define an annularchannel.
 16. The receptacle of claim 15, wherein the seating surface ispartially conical, the sealing lip contacts the seating surface, and thevalve seat is threadably engaged with the main body.
 17. The receptacleof claim 16, wherein, when the valve seat is tightened, the sealing lipis elastically deformed to partially close the annular channel to sealthe valve seat against the main body.
 18. A valve seat assembly,comprising: a valve seat defining an annular pocket; a seat discdisposed in the annular pocket; and a seat ring threadably engaged withthe valve seat to retain the seat disc.
 19. The valve seat assembly ofclaim 18, wherein the valve seat defines an inner void, is configured toreceive a tool in the inner void, and includes an inner ledge to preventthe tool from passing through the valve seat via the inner void.
 20. Thevalve seat assembly of claim 18, wherein: the valve seat includes afirst body and inner and outer annular extensions extending axially awayfrom the first body to define the annular pocket; the seat disc includesa second body, a flange extending radially outwardly from the secondbody to define a first shoulder, and a lip extending radially inwardlyfrom the second body to define a second shoulder, the second shoulderengaging the inner annular extension; and the seat ring is threadablyengaged in the outer annular extension to engage the first shoulder.